As the economy stagnates, government's look at any way they can to save some money. Sometimes, even essential services like education face steep cuts. When schools are forced to free up some money, they often look to cut things like music programs. Their theory is that music is not as integral to a child’s learning as things like math and english.
Is this truly the case though? Are there legitimate reasons to encourage and foster music programs in our schools. In fact, there is. There are a number of reasons to consider music programs essential to a child’s learning process and here are three:
1. Contrary to popular belief - pulling students out of conventional classes for musical study does not affect test scores. Paul G Young former president of the National Association of Elementary School Principals provided Principal Magazine with research showing that creating time in the school day for band or choir has no negative impacts on participants’ test scores.
Six other studies in the last decade - that involve both urban and suburban school districts, differing in size, socioeconomic mix and racial balance have shown similar results. An ASTA publication presented the findings that showed math and reading test scores were not affected by classroom pullouts for string instruction.
2. Musical training strengthens the mind. Plato once said that music “is a more potent instrument than any other for education”. There are an abundance of educators nation wide who would agree with this statement. There are also studies that show it may very well be true.
A recent study conducted by the University of California found that music can train the brain for higher forms of thinking. Second graders who received music lessons, scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than children without musical training. That is a high enough number that it should preclude any talk of a flukey study.
This is certainly not the first study of it’s type either. Shaw and Rauscher indicated in 1997 that the study of music has significant linkages to children’s spatial reasoning and cognitive development.
3. Music will make a child more well rounded. The benefits of music are not limited to intellectual. Music can help children in a multitude of ways. It may not be a full body workout like going for a swim but their are physical benefits linked with music. Playing an instrument has been shown to improve a child’s hand eye coordination.
It is also a tool that helps develop self discipline. Like a martial art, learning an instrument (even your voice) takes time, dedication and persistence. If a child is willing to dedicate the time and practice it takes to become proficient in music, it is a good sign that they will be able to transfer that dedication to other areas in their life.
That seems to be the case in fact. Studies have found that music participants have more positive attitudes, are more often elected to class office and achieve higher grades and more academic honors than their non-musical peers.
In the face of such overwhelming evidence about the importance of music - it is quite baffling that it seems to be one of the first cuts that schools seem willing (even if it is begrudgingly) to make.
We should make it a goal to foster creativity, discipline and high levels of thinking in our children. Musical training does just that, and so much more on its own. In ancient times musical training was revered and held with the utmost respect - maybe it is time we look to the past for clues to our future.
For more musical information:
Orangeville Musical Instruments
